The Hebrew word ʼarbeh, represented by H697, is a term for locust or grasshopper. Derived from a root word signifying rapid increase, it appears 24 times across 21 unique verses. It primarily denotes the swarming insect known for its devastating impact on agriculture, but it is also used metaphorically to describe overwhelming numbers and divine power.
In the biblical narrative, H697 is most famously featured as the eighth plague upon Egypt. The text describes an unprecedented swarm of locusts covering the entire land, sent to eat every herb left by the hail Exodus 10:12. The severity of this event was unique, with scripture noting that "before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such" Exodus 10:14. It is also listed alongside famine and pestilence as a potential divine judgment 1 Kings 8:37. In a different context, it is used to describe the sheer multitude of the Midianite and Amalekite armies, which lay in a valley "like grasshoppers for multitude" Judges 7:12. Conversely, the locust is also listed among the insects permitted for consumption under Mosaic law Leviticus 11:22.
Several related words expand upon the concepts of plagues, consumption, and agricultural disaster:
- H1501 gâzâm (palmer-worm): This term appears in a sequence of devouring insects where what the palmer-worm leaves, the locust eats, illustrating a relentless and comprehensive destruction Joel 1:4.
- H2625 châçîyl (caterpillar): Often mentioned in tandem with H697, this word denotes another type of ravaging insect. God gives the people's labor "unto the locust" and their increase to the caterpiller Psalms 78:46, and both are part of the divine army in Joel Joel 2:25.
- H7458 râʻâb (famine): This word describes the direct consequence of a locust plague. The potential for dearth or famine is frequently linked with the appearance of locusts, framing them as a major cause of national catastrophe 2 Chronicles 6:28.
The theological weight of H697 is primarily tied to its role as a tool of divine will.
- Instrument of Judgment: The locust is wielded by God as a direct agent of punishment. He brings the locusts upon Egypt to demonstrate His power Exodus 10:4 and later refers to the swarms, including the locust, as "my great army" sent among His people Joel 2:25.
- Symbol of Overwhelming Force: The term is used metaphorically to convey an innumerable, unstoppable force. An invading army is described as "more than the grasshoppers, and are innumerable" Jeremiah 46:23, highlighting its destructive potential.
- Metaphor for Frailty and Instability: In the Psalms, an individual in deep distress describes himself as "tossed up and down as the locust" Psalms 109:23, illustrating a sense of powerlessness and being subject to forces beyond his control.
In summary, H697 is more than just a name for an insect. It serves as a powerful biblical symbol for divine judgment, overwhelming military force, and the fragility of both agriculture and human life. From a literal plague capable of causing famine to a metaphor for a vast army, ʼarbeh demonstrates how the natural world is used in scripture to convey profound theological truths about power, punishment, and providence.
TRV